Thinking about a beach vacation in Southern California this year? Orange County’s coastline boasts a number of stunning beaches that are key spots to chill, play, swim, surf and bask in the sunshine all summer long.

Here are a few suggestions on where to find the best beaches in OC.   

Dana Point

Dana Point is a beautiful spot to explore, and it features a few different beaches with plenty of different activities for the whole family to enjoy during the summer. From volleyball to cycling to barbeques, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Bring your toddler to Doheny State Beach to explore the tide pools and have a picnic, or take the teens surfing at Salt Creek.

Huntington Beach

11 million visitors flock to this 3.5-mile stretch of beach annually, and when you get there, you’ll see why. The beach stays at a pleasant temperature year-round and offers a huge range of outdoor activities. Beyond being a great spot to surf, there’s a fantastic boardwalk trail for hiking, biking and walking. The beach is also home to pro surfing and volleyball events throughout the year.

Laguna Beach

Laguna beach should technically be referred to as the Laguna “beaches” since it’s a group of 27 beaches and coves along a 7-mile coastline. Surfing and volleyball are amongst the most popular activities here, but of course, there are plenty of other things to do in town. Art lovers should check out the self-guided public art tour, and nature lovers can note that whale watching tours run year-round.

Newport Beach

At the center of the county is Newport, a beautiful harbor for boating and surfing at any time of year. There are also fire rings near Balboa Pier and the Corona Del Mar State beach that are perfect for bonfires. In addition, check out the amazing trails or visit the science center to learn more about local ecology.

One of the most unique events in Newport, is the annual Grunion run, a 4-day period where thousands of fish come out of the water to mate – follow Newport Beach on social media or check the website for more information on dates.

San Clemente

The laid-back town of San Clemente is a perfect relaxing space if you’re looking for a quiet spot to rest, shop and enjoy the scenery. Walk the coastal trail and pier for greenery and stunning views of the beach and coastline. Art lovers can check out the galleries, and the town farmers market occurs every Sunday during the spring, summer, and fall.

Seal Beach

28 miles south of LA you’ll find Seal Beach, a quaint seaside town with beautiful scenery and plenty of things to do. Grab your tennis racket and go to the club, enjoy golfing, or take a surf lesson. If you’re on a budget, grab a kite or hit up the free astronomy nights hosted by Bogart’s coffee house.

These are just a few of the many fabulous beaches you can find along California’s sunny coastline. If you’re looking for affordable accommodations in Southern California, there’s no better place for your family than at Tropicana Inn & Suites.